Few money articles on May 17 warrant — yet

The warrant for the May 17 Annual Town Meeting is open and thus far 47 articles have been placed on it. Of those that involve town funds being allocated, most are standard, from revolving accounts, but a few will be asking voters to spend money from already stretched town funds.

The 1835 Town Hall Committee has placed a $70,000 article which would enable them to renovate the historic building to be handicapped accessible. The Town Common Revitalization Committee is also asking for funds, in order to restore that parcel to its original beauty.

“We are just starting the hard work now of paring down the budgets and articles,” said Town Administrator Terri Ackerman. “The FinCom will be meeting every Tuesday for the next eight weeks to delve into all the gory details. During these tough economic times it is more important than ever that we make sure every tax dollar is used wisely and efficiently.”

Finance Committee chairman Larry Pape is holding out hope for fewer money articles this year, enabling his board to allocate funds towards a town budget that now has a $1 million shortfall. Pape said last year there was $400,000 in money articles on the warrant.

“That number is plugged into the budget right now. If that number can be reduced, that can fall to the bottom line and help with the million dollar problem. That is one opportunity for us, if we can have fewer moneyed articles,” said Pape.